In a lot of ways I think Burning Man has gone mainstream. I've seen evidence of Burning Man fashion out in the default world, and yes even outside San Francisco. I no longer get an immediate blank stare when I say the word Playa, and more and more I think it's appearing on bucket lists for folks from all over. So yes. We are a lot more popular than we use to be.

But if I've learned anything on the Playa it's that those who return on an annual basis for more than say 3 or 4 years are fewer in number than say the fair-weather Burner, who maybe comes a few times but then decides to get on with life in the Default World. Some people are Burners on the Playa, some are Burners for Life. There's nothing wrong with that.

I guess my point is, that maybe we've reached some sort of Apex, a critical mass if you will in our little experiment in the desert. And perhaps it will be that in years to come we will start to see a fall in attendance, as the fad of "doing Burning Man," begins to wain. Then we won't have to deal with scalpers, fake tickets, ridiculous ebay offers, et cetera, et cetera et cetera.

Please understand. I fully support radical inclusion. But I also recognize this as a tipping point of what Burning Man will be for the generation. I hope WE don't fuck it up.

hhhmmm........good thoughts. It will be interesting, with these changes, the "non-profit" changover, and all that..........will it change? Or, will participants/ attendees be the real change, as far as demographics.

Clar-i-ty wrote:I guess my point is, that maybe we've reached some sort of Apex, a critical mass if you will in our little experiment in the desert. And perhaps it will be that in years to come we will start to see a fall in attendance, as the fad of "doing Burning Man," begins to wain. Then we won't have to deal with scalpers, fake tickets, ridiculous ebay offers, et cetera, et cetera et cetera.

With all due respect, anyone who is serious about going to Burning Man didn't have to deal with scalpers, fake tickets, ridiculous ebay offers, etc etc because they got off their ass and bought a ticket months before that scarcity was an issue.

Clar-i-ty wrote:I guess my point is, that maybe we've reached some sort of Apex, a critical mass if you will in our little experiment in the desert. And perhaps it will be that in years to come we will start to see a fall in attendance, as the fad of "doing Burning Man," begins to wain. Then we won't have to deal with scalpers, fake tickets, ridiculous ebay offers, et cetera, et cetera et cetera.

With all due respect, anyone who is serious about going to Burning Man didn't have to deal with scalpers, fake tickets, ridiculous ebay offers, etc etc because they got off their ass and bought a ticket months before that scarcity was an issue.

When I say "deal with" I mean deal with the consequences of. Apologies. I'm normally much more precise in my words, thus the Playa name. I have to admit, this revelation has me a little shaken. I don't like the idea that there is a chance that anyone who wants to, may not be able to attend.

I know it's a cardinal sin to show my soft under belly on this board, so for those who rely on my surly, biting remarks STOP READING NOW!!!

As one who is struggling in this economy, I have to admit, I'm starting to resent the "serious Burners" and "those who have their shit together" remarks. I do have my shit together and I am a serious Burner. I work my ass off to be able to go every year. Just because I don't have a windfall of cash available on the day tickets go on sale doesn't mean I'm not serious. It means like many others, I'm making it work the best I can. This is just another obstacle that I will have to overcome, and honestly it has me worried.

No matter what, this will be interesting to see how it plays out. It is a grand human experiment, and they have the numbers to try what they want.I guess this will also help to increase readership of the JackRabbit newsletter eh?

Clar-i-ty wrote:As one who is struggling in this economy, I have to admit, I'm starting to resent the "serious Burners" and "those who have their shit together" remarks. I do have my shit together and I am a serious Burner. I work my ass off to be able to go every year. Just because I don't have a windfall of cash available on the day tickets go on sale doesn't mean I'm not serious. It means like many others, I'm making it work the best I can. This is just another obstacle that I will have to overcome, and honestly it has me worried.

That sucks, sorry to hear it. I spoke too quickly I think - I have empathy for folks in your situation. Hope you can make it!